Bharat Bio brings in low-cost vaccines

Anil Urs, TNNMay 7, 2003, 02.21am IST

HYDERABAD: With the development of a purification matrix technology (Himax), Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has recovered the surface antigen protein to the tune of 85% as against the industry standard of 15%. This led the company to pursue many collaborative basic research projects in region-specific diseases with many institutions.

Talking to ET, Dr Krishna M Ella, chairman & managing director, Bharat Biotech said that with Himax technology, the company has been successful in bringing down the cost of many vaccines.

The company has initiated joint research and development efforts with IISc, Bangalore, Department of Science and Technology (DST) for the development of third generation Hepatitis B vaccine.

Similarly, the company is developing a vascular epidermal growth factor, which stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in tissues, which lack normal arterial blood flow. This bypasses the blockage and results in improved organ function. This is in collaboration with the Centre for Biochemical Technology, New Delhi.

"In collaboration with Stanford University and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA, we are scaling up the vaccine candidate against Rota Virus Infection," said Mr Ella. For a vaccine candidate against malaria, the company has tied up with International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, PATH, USA, Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative, USA and Malaria Vaccine Initiative, USA.

Bharat Biotech plans to launch its indigenously developed typhoid vaccine - Typbar on May 9. It will be launched in Bangalore priced at Rs 175 (0.5ml).

The company has completed the clinical trials and has got clearance from the Drugs Controller-General for launch of the vaccine.

Among the biological vaccines, Typbar would be the world's first vegetarian or nonbovine typhoid vaccine, claims Mr Ella. Other companies import from China and Korea and sell at prices ranging from Rs 180 to Rs 290 per dose (0.5ml).

The product has been developed in collaboration with the National Institution of Health (NIH), USA. It took over two years and Rs 12 crore in investments to create separate production facilities.

"Our vaccine will have a clear edge in terms of price and will be much cheaper at Rs 175 (0.5ml) than the imported ones," said Mr Ella.

The estimated market for typhoid vaccine in India is about 50m doses. About 26 lakh people are treated for typhoid in the metros and class I cities per year.